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Cupcake queen Emma Barnes announced three weeks ago that she planned to shut Babycakes, the baking company she runs from her Carlisle home, in October.

She took the decision after admitting she found the cake-baking community “too cruel” after receiving anonymous emails.

The announcement led to a flood of support from friends and customers with Babycakes fans inundating her with pleas to continue.

But the 29-year-old, of Morton, Carlisle, has pledged to stand by her original decision and is now looking for a buyer for the firm. “I can’t even begin to describe how important all of those messages of support have been to me,” she said.

“In fact, I think I’ve cried more over the positive feedback I’ve had than I ever did over the nasty messages.

“It’s been surreal really; I’ve had complete strangers turning up on my doorstep.

“But it’s definitely time for me to move on, I’ve got exciting plans for a new business venture with a friend which I hope to get off the ground later in the year.”

Emma said she would love to see Babycakes live on and thought it would make an opportunity for someone to buy “a fantastic business”.

“Even though I’m saying it myself, I think Babycakes is an awesome brand and it’s ready for someone to take it on and build on the hard work I’ve put in,” she added.

“I’ve had some inquiries already and I don’t think I’ll have any trouble selling it.

“It’s going to be emotional letting go, but I’ve made my decision and now I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”